You may loose, but that is the chance of the stock market for any purchase. I do not think Carnival will go belly up. They are buying ships. Unless you are part of Carnivals financial division, you really have no way of knowing what Carnival might have up their sleeve for the future. Personally, I do invest with the hope of a nice return. If not. I invested what I can afford to loose. So far over the years with Carnival and RCCL stock I have done very well. Many procrastinate, do not buy in and later wish they did. That is how it goes. No other vacation is so inexpensive. That is what those that do cruising enjoy and bring up the stock. Ships are now starting to fill up. That is a very good sign.